Give a dollar save a child!

This was sent to me by Stephanie a friend from my

January 2003 Mommy's Playgroup!

A couple in my community, Doug and Allison, have two daughters, Caroline and Kate. They have a rare genetic disease called Niemann-Pick disease (at this time there are only 50 cases in the us). They are metabolic storage disorders that cause the blood to not break down and form new cells, and the disease is fatal. Both girls have this, and until now, we have been told and the family has been told that it is fatal, that both girls would not live to see Elementary school. They have been gone most of this year and many years before to Duke University and other places having test after test done in the hope that there would be something, anything, that would save the girls.And there is hope. For Kate.Caroline's disease has progressed so far that she will eventually die from it. Please help my friends from losing both of their children.

Kate is at Duke right now undergoing chemo, and will recieve a cord blood transplant. They are hoping this will stop the progression of the disease. They have been through so much, and I know this has all been financially draining. They need help. Anything you can do, even if it's just a prayer, anything, would help. I came here first with this because you all are the first people I could think of that might be able to really do something for the Kirks.W

We are working with a dedicated group of friends to help raise funds for Kate and her family. Insurance covers part of the direct costs, but there is much that is not covered. Our goal is to initially raise $150,000 over the next six months, although more may be needed later. Every dollar that is raised will be used exclusively to cover costs associated with the transplant and Kate’s treatment. All donations are tax deductible,and the funds will be administered by COTA, the Child Organ Transplant Association, a national 501(c)3 charitable organization. Please visit Kate’s Website to find out more, and please help us spread the word by forwarding this message. If we can reach 150,000 people and they can each spare one dollar,we will have helped to insure that Kate has a future.

Please go to www.forkatessake.org and do anything you can. Pass it on to anyone else who might be able to help Kate.

Thanks for "listening" guys.